Double tragedy: 13 children dead, 9 injured in separate scholar transport accidents
DEVASTATING
Nine children have been injured when their scholar transport vehicle crashed into a tree near Sarnia Primary School, in Pinetown
Image: SUPPLIED
TWO devastating scholar transport accidents have struck South Africa in a single day – a Gauteng collision claimed 13 young lives and a separate Pinetown crash injured nine primary school children.
Authorities are calling for increased vigilance regarding scholar transport safety
The accident scene in Sarnia Road, in Pinetown is still active, and motorists are urged to avoid the area.
“The scene is chaotic. Frantic parents are trying to make their way to the scene. Paramedics are working to stabilise the children and they will be transported to hospital for further care,” said Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics and Emergency Services.
TWO devastating scholar transport accidents have struck South Africa in a single day – a Gauteng collision claimed 13 young lives and a separate Pinetown crash injured nine primary school children.
Image: SUPPLIED
This morning, 13 children were killed in Gauteng when their scholar transport crashed while they were on the way to school.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the incident occurred at about 7am when a private scholar transport vehicle collided with a tipper truck on Fred Droste Road in Vanderbijlpark.
“Eleven pupils were certified dead at the scene, and two others died in hospital.
“The taxi driver is also hospitalised, while details regarding the truck driver remain uncertain,” said Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education.
Two pupils remain in hospital in a critical condition.
The Gauteng Department of Education extended its deepest condolences to the affected families, pupils, and school communities during this extremely difficult time.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for education Matome Chiloane visited the scene to assess the situation and offered support to the affected families.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
“It really is a tragic day for us as the department and the province. We extend our deepest condolences to the pupils, families, and school communities affected. We call for greater vigilance regarding scholar transport, particularly private scholar transport,” said MEC Chiloane.